Finland and Lithuania plan to produce anti-personnel landmines, marking a significant shift as they withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning these weapons

In a significant shift in European defense policy, Finland and Lithuania have announced plans to produce anti-personnel landmines, marking their withdrawal from the 1997 Ottawa Convention that prohibits such weapons. This decision aligns with similar moves by neighboring countries, including Poland, Latvia, and Estonia, all citing increased security concerns due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

On April 1, 2025, Finland’s government initiated preparations to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, emphasizing the need to bolster national defense capabilities in response to perceived threats from Russia. The Finnish Ministry of Defence stated that the decision aims to enhance the country’s defense posture by allowing the stockpiling and potential use of anti-personnel mines.

Similarly, Lithuania’s parliament voted on May 8, 2025, to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention. Lithuanian officials argue that reintroducing anti-personnel mines is essential for national security and effective defense against potential aggression. The decision reflects a regional consensus among Baltic states and Poland to reassess their defense strategies in light of evolving security dynamics.

The move has sparked criticism from humanitarian organizations concerned about the long-term impact of landmines on civilian populations. The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed deep concern over the potential humanitarian consequences of reintroducing these weapons, emphasizing the importance of adhering to international disarmament norms.

In response to these developments, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for renewed commitment to disarmament and mine action, highlighting the global implications of such withdrawals. He urged countries to uphold humanitarian disarmament norms to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure post-conflict recovery.

The decision by Finland and Lithuania to produce anti-personnel landmines signifies a notable shift in European defense policy, reflecting the complex balance between national security concerns and international humanitarian obligations. As these countries move forward with their plans, the international community continues to monitor the situation, weighing the implications for regional security and global disarmament efforts.